Set off a Bible-oriented multi-day trip to the 7 churches of Asia Minor, including Pergamum, Sardis, and Laodicea. Immerse yourself in the history of Christianity as you explore Greek and Roman ruins. Stay in 4-star hotels during your tour and enjoy breakfast, dinner, and transportation included. Day 1: Arrival in Izmir Enjoy the convenience of being picked up at Izmir airport and driven directly to your hotel. Relax for the evening with dinner at your hotel. Day 2: Izmir, Pergamon, Thyatira, Izmir After breakfast, drive to Pergamum, mentioned in the New Testament as one of the 7 Churches of Asia Minor. Visit the Acropolis of Pergamum, an amphitheater perched dramatically atop a steep hill. Stop at the Asklepion, a famous medical center during the classical era. See the Altar of Zeus, which John the Apostle referred to as the “Throne of Satan.” Walk among the marble columns of the Temple of Trajan. Continue to Thyatira, another of the Seven Churches of Asia. Known in ancient times for its purple dyes, Thyatira is also the city where St. Lydia once lived. As you make your way through the city, you’ll have the chance to see ruins from Roman times. Enjoy a panoramic ride through Smyrna, the third largest city in Turkey and one of the sites of the Seven Churches of Asia. Return to the hotel for dinner and some rest. Day 3: Izmir, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea, Hierapolis Depart to Sardis, now known as Sart was portrayed in the Book of Revelations as a dying church. Visit the Temple of Artemis and the Temple of Cybele. Continue to Philadelphia, now known as Alasehir, another of the Churches of Asia and the only church not censured. Visit Laodicea the last of the seven churches. Drive to Hierapolis, a city known for its therapeutic springs. See the Pamukkale or 'Cotton Fortress', the travertines, and the terraces. Stay overnight in a Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale. Day 4: Pamukkale, Ephesus, Kusadasi Drive to Kusadasi and visit the ancient city of Ephesus. See the Basilica of St. John, which received an epistle from the apostle Paul who lived in Ephesus for 3 years. Tour the spectacular ruins where excavations still continue in this once great and important city founded over 2 millennia ago. Take a trip back in time as your walk along the marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings such as the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Theatre. See the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a house said to have been the Virgin Mary’s home in her final years. Afterward, enjoy dinner at your hotel in Kusadasi. Day 5: Kusadasi , Izmir Your tour comes to a close as you are picked up from your hotel in Kusadasi and then transferred to the Izmir airport.

Day 1 (Pergamum, Thyatira, Smyrna) Upon your arrival at Izmir, meet your tour guide and drive to Pergamum. There you'll explore the impressive Acropolis, the actual ancient city and see the Altar of Zeus. Later continue to Asklepion, the famous medical center of classical times, you'll also visit the Red Basilica (St. John’s Church) then continue the drive to Thyatira, now called Akhisar. There you'll see the remains of a basilica and some architectural fragments from the Roman period. Upon driving back to Izmir you'll enjoy a panoramic ride of Smyrna, the third largest city in Turkey and one of the sites of the Seven Churches of Asia. Overnight in Izmir (Breakfast-Lunch) Day 2  (Izmir, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea, Hierapolis ) Today you'll depart early in the morning to  Sardis where you'll visit the great temple which became a Byzantine Church later. You will also visit the restored gymnasium and the Synagogue. Then you'll continue the journey to Philadelphia. There you'll see the remains of a Byzantine basilica built of bricks, with a bit of high arch and some 11th-century frescoes. Afterward, you drive to the healing city of Hierapolis where hot mineral water bursts from the earth and cascades over steep cliffs forming pools. There you'll visit the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip. Then in Laodicea, you can walk the ancient streets of the city and see the ancient structures. Overnight in Pamukkale. (Breakfast-Lunch) Day 3 ( Ephesus, Kusadasi ) Drive to Ephesus and visit the ancient city of Ephesus. There you walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings such as the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Theatre. Later we drive to the House of the Virgin Mary where she spent her last days and the assumption took place. After that, you visit the Basilica of St. John and the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Overnight in Kusadasi. (Breakfast-Lunch) Important Note: 3 days tour option ends on day 3, after the Ephesus tour. Please inform your drop-off point. Day 4: Departure Day Today is the end of the tour, According to your flight time meet with your driver at the hotel and drive to Izmir Airport.  (Breakfast)

Seven Holy Churches Turkey Even today, Turkey is important to people because of the holy seven churches, located the in Aegean Region. Booking Tours Turkey offer you the chance to discover the holy churches with a professional guide and exceptional service in Turkey. In the chapter of Revelation, The apostle St. John had sent his greeting and had described what he had seen in Patmos. St. John told, while he was in the presence of the spirit, he had heard voice tell him to write on a Scroll what he saw before him and send them to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. Monday – Day 1: IZMIR ARRIVAL Today is the first day of this religious and historical tour. Your tour will take start from Izmir airport or Kusadasi port. You guide will be waiting for you to meet and transfer you to your hotel in Izmir. (Meal: Dinner) Tuesday – Day 2: PERGAMON – THYATIRA – IZMIR After breakfast you will depart for the ancient city to the church of Pergamum, in Bergama. In the Pergamum you will see the Acropolis, steepest theatre in the world, and the Altar of Zeus, mentioned as Throne of Satan in the book of revelation. After the acropolis we will visit the Asklepieion which is the center of health in Roman times. In Pergamum you will also discover the second largest library of Ancient times, after Library of Alexandria in Egypt. The estimated number of books in Pergamum library is around 200.000, called Parchments. In Pergamum we will also visit the Red Basilica (St. John's Church). Then we will drive to Thyatira, now Akhisar city, another one of the Seven Churches of Asia. Thyatira was a city famous for purple dyes. We visit the remains of a basilica and some architectural ruins from the Roman period. Lydia, the seller of purple in Philippi, was from Thyatira. After the tour we will drive back to Izmir, before checking into the hotel we will discover the panoramic side of Smyrna which is the third biggest city of Turkey. Smyrna was of the seven churches in Asia. You will also visit the central city area called Clock tower. Overnight in Izmir. (Meal: Breakfast and Dinner) Wednesday – Day 3: IZMIR – SARDIS – PHILADELPHIA - LAODICEA – HIERAPOLIS In the morning, you will depart for one of the important seven churches of Asia called Sardis. Sardis was the capital city of the ancient Lydian Kingdom of 6th century BC. In Sardis, you will visit temple of Artemis and the temple of Cybele, godess of fertility. This tepmple was converted to a Byzantine Church. In Sardis, you will visit some Lydian houses, with gymnasium and Synagogue. Here we will also see the last part of the royal Persian Road from Susa to Sardis, built by Cyrus. You will get your lunch en route. We will drive to Philadelphia, to Alasehir, another church of the Seven Churches of Asia, and the only church not censured. There we see the ruins of a Byzantine basilica, built by brick, with a high arch and some 11th century frescoes. We drive to the healing city of Hierapolis, now called Pamukkale, the white «cotton fortress» where hot mineral water bursts from the earth and cascades over steep cliffs forming pools, channels and stalactites. The therapeutic waters were known to the founders of Hierapolis and of Laodicea in 190 BC. In Hierapolis we visit the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip where he was martyred during the persecutions ordered by Domitian. We will proceed to Laodicea (Denizli) yet another of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor. We see the ancient theatre, the remains of a basilica and ancient stone water pipes. We will see the Gate of Domitian, the Arcadian Way, the 2nd century AD Theatre, the Nymphaion, the Temple of Apollo, the Plutonium and the Necropolis. After tour checkin at hotel for dinner and overnight in a Thermal Hotel. (Meal: Breakfast and Dinner) Thursday – Day 4: EPHESUS – KUSADASI After your breakfast, we will drive to the ancient city of Ephesus, the capital city of Asia Minor. Ephesus is the one of the important seven churches in Asia. On our tour we will visit the Basilica of St. John, the apostle of Jesus. St. Paul preached the Ephesians about religion and spent his last three years of life there. You will also discover the Ephesus Archaeological Museum. Than we will visit the Ancient of city Ephesus. In this ancient city we will see and walk through the history set along the marble streets, wonderful ruins, among them the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and ancient third largest Theatre. The Temple of Artemis in Ephesus is another of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Before returning to the hotel, we will visit the House of the Virgin Mary. Overnight in Kusadasi. (Meal: Breakfast and Dinner) Friday Day 5 : IZMIR – HOME Pick up from hotel and transfer to Izmir airport for your flight back home. (Meal: Breakfast)

Day 1: Smyrna Adventure Embarking on a captivating 3-day journey exploring the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse, we'll commence our tour from Izmir Airport or the designated meet-up point at 9 am. Our first destination is the fascinating ancient city of Pergamon, home to the historic Acropolis. There, we'll marvel at the ruins of legendary landmarks, including the esteemed altar of Zeus, the sacred sanctuary of Athena, the ancient library, and the venerable temple of Asklepion. Following our Pergamon exploration, we'll recharge with a delightful lunch at a local eatery in Thyateira. Then, our path leads us back to Izmir, formerly known as Smyrna, where we'll visit the renowned St. John's Cathedral. Here, we'll delve into the history of persecuted churches and their profound connections to the book of Revelation. At the end of the day, we'll find comfort in our hotel in Smyrna, anticipating the adventures of tomorrow. Day 2: Smyrna's Treasures As the sun rises, we embark on another day of discovery. Our first stop is Sardis, an ancient Jewish city with intriguing ruins, such as the Temple of Artemis and the Anatolian Synagogue. After absorbing the history of Sardis, we'll indulge in a delectable meal at a local restaurant. Our journey continues to Philadelphia, founded in 189 B.C., famous for its association with one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor mentioned in the book of Revelation. Venturing further, we'll explore Hierapolis, an enchanting "spa city," where we'll marvel at the ancient Roman theater and necropolis. As the day concludes, we'll retreat to our welcoming hotel in Pamukkale for a satisfying dinner and well-deserved rest. Day 3: Pamukkale's Rich Heritage Welcoming the morning with a scrumptious breakfast, we'll visit the Church of Laodicea, an ancient city that once belonged to the renowned Seleucid Empire. Exploring its remains, we'll be captivated by the impressive stadium, the grand amphitheater, the elegant odeon, and the impressive aqueduct. Our next destination is Ephesus, a treasure trove of an ancient city, boasting remarkable ruins that transport us back in time. Savoring a delightful lunch in Ephesus, we'll eventually return to Izmir. Worry not, as we'll ensure you reach the airport in ample time for your homeward flight, bidding farewell to a memorable journey through history and culture.

Day 1: Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira • The tour starts with visit the Church of Smyrna, located in Izmir. This church was praised in the Book of Revelation for its faithfulness, despite persecution and suffering. • Visit the Church of Pergamum, located in the town of Bergama. This church was praised for its loyalty to Christ, even in the face of martyrdom. • Visit the Church of Thyatira, located in the town of Akhisar. This church was praised for its love, faith, and service. Overnight in Akhisar Day 2: Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea • Visit the Church of Sardis, located in the town of Sart. This church was criticized for its spiritual deadness and complacency. • Visit the Church of Philadelphia, located in the town of Alaşehir. This church was praised for its good works and perseverance. • Visit the Church of Laodicea, located in the town of Denizli. This church was criticized for being lukewarm and lacking zeal for Christ. Overnight in Pamukkale Day 3 : Ephesus After the breakfast we will depart for drive to Ephesus. • Visit the ancient city of Ephesus, where the Church of Ephesus was located. This church was praised for its good works and perseverance.

Turkey, in antiquity known as Asia, was home to seven wondrous churches. It didn’t refer to an actual building, but rather seven Christian cities in Western Anatolia, which now lie in ruins. Visit these ancient places and walk the same steps that the world’s earliest Christians did. Before that, you’ll see all of Istanbul’s major sites, including the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia. Then you’ll travel to Izmir and start your tour of ancient Christianity, seeing many Roman ruins along the way. Soak in the thermal baths at Pamukkale, just as tourists have done for centuries – it was founded, after all, as a resort town by the Ancient Romans. Each step along the way, your expert guide will be there to provide you with context and information regarding each of these wonderful cities. Detailed Itinerary: Day 1: Arrival Arrive in Istanbul and enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul. Day 2: Istanbul Tour Explore Istanbul and visit the historic old town. Then visit the Hippodrome, Istanbul’s first sports stadium, and the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque). Then visit the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace and a traditional bazaar. Day 3: Istanbul - Izmir Visit the Grand Bazaar before touring the port of Istanbul and seeing the Cistern of Istanbul. Flight to Izmir. Day 4: Pergamon – Thyatira – Izmir Explore the Pergamum Acropolis, and visit the Ancient Roman health center of Asklepieion. See the Red Basilica and continue on to Thyatira and back to Izmir. Day 5: Izmir – Sardis – Philadelphia – Laodicea – Hierapolis Visit the Sardis Church and ruins of the Temple of Artemis, then travel to Philadelphia Church. Then to the Roman resort of Pamukkale with its therapeutic thermal baths and the Cotton Castle. Finally, head to the Gate of Domitian, and the Nymphaion. Day 6: Ephesus – Kusadasi See the Basilica of St. John the Apostle. Then head to the ancient city of Ephesus and its Archeological Museum. Day 7: Izmir to Istanbul Relax in Kusadasi and flight back to Istanbul. Day 8: Departure Airport transfer in time for your flight.